In honor of Halloween week, I am continuing my job search horror story series. Today, some horribly funny stories! The goal is to share tales from job seekers (so you know you’re not alone) AND from hiring managers, so job seekers can learn what things might NOT work.
Revi Goldwasser shared some horror stories through the candidates with whom she works, coaches and places. She notes, “These stories are funny to me now – but when it happened – I wanted to shrink in my chair!!”
* Candidate shows up for an interview wearing her sunglasses. Turns out she forgot her regular glasses at home, and was using her prescription sunglasses so she could see.
* Candidate arrives to the interview, is greeted by the HR Manager and says, “Where can I throw out my gum?”
* Candidate is asked the following question during an interview, “Describe one of your weaknesses?” – His answer: “My current job starts at 8am, and I am always around 30 minutes late! But don’t worry – your job starts at 9am, so for your job, I’ll arrive 30 minutes early!”
* Candidate is being interviewed for an accountant position. When asked what he doesn’t like about his current job, his answer: “I really don’t like working with numbers.”
* A candidate arrives for an interview for a marketing coordinator opening. When the HR Manager arrives to begin the interview, the candidate tells the HR Manager that she really doesn’t want marketing, she wants Research – do they have any openings for that instead?
* During an interview, a candidate is asked a lot of math questions that he has to figure out in his head and give the answer verbally. The position is for a Trader with an Investment Firm, thus requiring a strong knowledge base in math and numbers. He did not do well. He then asks the HR Manager, “Don’t you guys use calculators?”
Another story that was horrible at the time, but that the teller laughs about now, from Alejandra Ramos, who now writes a food blog:
When I was just out of college, I interviewed for a communications position with a conservative non-profit in Washington, DC. Given the industry (and the city) I chose to wear a very staid and elegant designer skirt suit that I’d purchased at deep discount at Filene’s Basement. I arrived at the interview site 20 minutes early and was motioned to the lobby where I should wait for the hiring manager. As I was sitting down, some papers slid out of my portfolio and onto the ground. As I bent over to pick them up, I heard a very distinct tearing sound. I anxiously reached behind me and realized that the seam of my skirt had ripped nearly all the way up the back. Thinking quickly, I twisted the skirt so that the long rip was now going up my thigh instead of revealing my entire behind. When the hiring manager came out to greet me, her eyes immediately fell on the absurdly risque “slit” in my skirt. Needless to say, I did not get the job.
Don’t miss Part I, II, III and IV to learn how to manage some of what you may encounter on the hunt!
What stories do you have? Funny? Absurd? Share them in the comments!
I can help with every part of your job hunt! Need a great resume? Tips to use social networking? Interview coaching? If you need help mobilizing your networks and your job search plans, learn more about how I can help you! While you’re at it, don’t forget those social networks! Be sure to become a fan of Keppie Careers on Facebook…I’d be thrilled to have you as part of the community! Since we’re on the subject of doing something new…Are you on Twitter? Jump on and touch base with me @keppie_careers.
photo by pipnstuff